No, torches do not melt packed ice in Minecraft. Unlike regular ice, packed ice is specifically designed not to melt when exposed to light sources, including torches.
Why Packed Ice Doesn't Melt
Packed ice is a distinct block in Minecraft with unique properties that set it apart from standard ice. It is a completely solid block that remains stable even when placed near light sources like torches, glowstone, or sea lanterns. This makes it an ideal material for long-lasting structures and designs where light is present without the risk of conversion to water.
The inherent durability of packed ice against light makes it invaluable for various in-game applications, ensuring that builds remain intact regardless of illumination.
Practical Applications of Packed Ice
Given its resistance to melting from light, packed ice offers numerous advantages for builders and players in Minecraft:
- Permanent Ice Tracks: Ideal for creating long, fast transport routes using boats, as the ice will not melt away, even in well-lit areas or close to light-emitting Redstone contraptions.
- Aesthetic Builds: Perfect for creating snow-themed or icy structures that require interior lighting without compromising the integrity of the ice blocks.
- Mob Farms: Can be used in certain mob farm designs where mobs need to slide on ice, ensuring the mechanism doesn't fail due to light levels.
- Decorative Features: Incorporate permanent ice features into bases or landscapes, such as frozen waterfalls or ice sculptures, which can be lit up without issue.
Packed Ice vs. Regular Ice
Understanding the differences between packed ice and regular ice is crucial for effective building and gameplay:
| Feature | Packed Ice | Regular Ice (or Frosted Ice) |
|---|---|---|
| Melts near Light | No, remains solid near any light source. | Yes, melts into water when exposed to light levels of 12 or higher. |
| Transparency | Opaque | Translucent |
| Slippery | Yes, significantly increases player/mob speed. | Yes, also increases speed. |
| Breakage | Drops as a block when broken (with any tool). | Drops as water (or nothing, if Frosted Ice melts) unless broken with a Silk Touch tool. |
| Obtaining | Crafted from 9 regular ice blocks, or found in Iceberg biomes and Arctic biomes. | Found naturally in cold biomes, can be obtained by mining with Silk Touch. |
Key Takeaways
- Packed ice is a robust block that maintains its form regardless of ambient light.
- Torches, as light sources, have no effect on packed ice's stability.
- Its non-melting property makes it superior to regular ice for permanent structures where light is present.
